Immigrants who have suffered harm due to assault, domestic violence, or other criminal activity and agree to help law enforcement could qualify for a U visa. If you’re approved for this visa, you may stay in the country and embark on the path toward becoming a permanent resident. A U visa lawyer in Washington, DC, can detail what the U nonimmigrant status may mean to you.
The team at Mendoza Law has more than 100 years of combined experience. As you search for a humanitarian visa lawyer in Washington, DC, we encourage you to consider us. We will make it easy to connect with an attorney who will address any concerns or questions you have about U visas.
Allow us to serve as your legal representative and advocate throughout the U visa application process. Contact us today to get started.
Why Should You Get Legal Help if You Want to Apply for a U Visa?
How you approach the U visa application process makes a difference in terms of getting the outcome you want. If you rush through this process, you risk mistakes that could result in a denial.
On the other hand, if you get an immigration lawyer in Washington, DC, on your side, you can protect against such mistakes.
Ultimately, your attorney can help you in several ways, such as:
Teaching You About the Requirements for Getting a U Visa
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has strict requirements for U visa requests. Your U visa attorney in Washington, DC, will explain these criteria and what it will take for USCIS to approve your U nonimmigrant status application.
Plus, they will help you avoid errors that could prompt USCIS to dismiss your application.
Gathering Evidence for Your Application
Protection orders, court records, and police reports are three forms of evidence that will increase your chances of securing a U visa. Your lawyer understands the importance of evidence for your U visa application. They will retrieve evidence from myriad sources and submit it with the rest of your application materials.
Providing Support Throughout the Application Process
It can be overwhelming to apply for a U visa by yourself. With a lawyer on your side, you have access to emotional and legal support as you face application challenges.
Your attorney wants you to take care of yourself as the application process moves forward. Meanwhile, they will provide compassionate guidance and handle your legal matters with care.
Mendoza Law has received dozens of positive client reviews. We are dedicated to our clientele and will help you with your U visa application in any way that we can. To find out more, schedule a case evaluation with us.
Are You Eligible to Receive a U Visa?
If you are an immigrant and a victim of criminal activity, you could reap the benefits that come with obtaining the U nonimmigrant status. Your Washington, DC, U visa lawyer will review the specifics of your situation. Next, they will tell you if you meet the criteria for a U visa.
These criteria include:
- You’re required to be a direct victim or a derivative family member of someone who is a victim of a crime listed by USCIS.
- This crime has resulted in significant physical or mental harm.
- The crime took place in the United States or its territories or was in violation of U.S. law.
- You have information about the crime and have been, are, or are likely to help the authorities investigate or prosecute it.
In regard to these criteria, there is no statute of limitations on when the criminal activity that you experienced was committed. Also, if USCIS accepts your U visa request, you will receive temporary status and work authorization. In addition, you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card after three years.
How the U Visa Application Process in Washington, DC, Works
The U visa application process can seem overwhelming at first. Fortunately, your U visa attorney in Washington, DC, will walk you through the process from start to finish.
Below are the steps to complete if you want to request the U nonimmigrant status:
- Fill out Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. With Form I-918, Supplement B, an authorized official from a certifying law enforcement agency will have to sign it and verify that you have been helpful, are currently helping, or have plans to be helpful as part of the investigation or prosecution of your criminal case.
- Collect evidence in alignment with USCIS’s eligibility requirements.
- Submit your forms and evidence to USCIS.
Your attorney can describe how long it can take to get approved for a U visa. If there are any inadmissibility issues, you will have to file a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant, to ask for a waiver of the inadmissibility. Furthermore, if your request is approved, you will have to follow the consular process to enter the U.S.
Our U Visa Lawyers in Washington, DC, Have a Track Record of Success
Applying for a U visa should be simple, but issues can crop up along the way. If you’re not careful, these problems can prevent you from getting your request for the U nonimmigrant status approved.
Mendoza Law stands as a beacon of hope and support to those who want to secure a U visa. Let our qualified and dedicated attorneys assist you with your U visa application materials. To learn more, request a case evaluation with us.